You know you hate it - that treadmill you hit after a long day's work might get you in perfect shape, but there's an imposing dread that comes with it; endless pain to go through before you get to that gain. But there is an alternative, one where there's little 'work' involved in your workout.
Aerial and anti-gravity exercises are the latest trends sweeping the fitness world, where theatrical fun and ethereal experiences are combined to create pleasurable and rewarding gym alternatives.
'Aerial fitness specifically targets people who are seeking alternative dance or fitness activity,' says Vee Lea, co-founder of Hong Kong's Aerial Arts Academy. 'It provides intense mental and creative stimulation, so much so that the participant forgets that they are working out.'
The idea is simple: combining yoga, Pilates and gymnastics, silks or cords are attached to the ceiling, with participants suspended midair performing slow, steady movements. The workout allows you to not only improve your stamina, strength, coordination and flexibility, but also offers inversion exercises that improves circulation to the head and provides anti-ageing effects.
'Aerials have a thrill and novelty factor that other workouts don't necessarily hold,' says Jennifer Ko, events coordinator at the New York-based Trapeze School. 'It's a new, challenging, and fun way to work out that differs from more traditional things like running or biking.'
The enormous popularity of aerial shows presented by companies such as Cirque du Soleil, alongside popular musicians using airborne theatrics in their performances, has created major international interest in the form, and inspired many fitness entrepreneurs to start their own academies.